Big Hunt

Big Hunt, manufactured by AMI s.p.a. of Italy in 1976, is a rare gem in the world of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines. This American West-themed machine boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from its contemporaries, including a spring-tensioned ball diverter in the upper-right playfield that routes balls between the spinning target and kicker.

The gameplay is a testament to AMI's ingenuity, with two flippers, three pop bumpers, and three slingshots providing an exhilarating experience for players. The presence of standup targets, a 4-bank drop target, and a spinning target adds depth and complexity to the game, while the dual in-lane design on the right side creates a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience. The upper-right kicker lane and diverter mechanism are particularly noteworthy features. Backglass artwork was adapted from Bally's 1975 'Bow and Arrow.'

The Big Hunt's backglass proudly displays "Ball In Play," while its score display tops out at 19,999,900 points. The last two digits of the score are dummy zeroes. Because Italy had banned replay-style games at the time, Big Hunt was likely built for export; some units were also produced with an add-a-ball variant and a related one-player version called 'Navajo.' For pinball enthusiasts, Big Hunt offers a unique opportunity to experience a rare EM machine from the mid-1970s.